Biodegradation of bioplasts in compost environment

This master’s thesis focuses on biodegradation of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polylactic acid (PLA). The theoretical part discusses an origin, properties and applications of investigated biopolyesters, and so the enzymology of their biodegradation. The experimental part deals with biodegradation of these polymers in liquid medium using several pure thermophilic bacteial strains and controlled composting of these bioplastics. Amongst six tested thermophilic bacterial strains only one showed PHB-biodegradation activity – strain Schlegelella thermodepolymerans. No degradation degree of amorphous or semi-crystalline PLA was observed. Mainly disintegration of both forms of PLA articles was observed in compost environment, thus the abiotic mechanism of its decomposition was indicated. After 4 weeks of composting, the relative weight loss of 99 % and 63 % was detected in amorphous and semi-crystalline PLA respectively. On the contrary, the weight loss of PHB after 4 weeks of composting reached 36 %, moreover, a half decrease of molar mass was observed using SEC. The surface erosive mechanism of PHB-biodegradation was stated using SEM. By monitoring of esterase, lipase and protease activities, no influence on the compost by polymer presence was concluded at statistical significance